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Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation SA120CA
- Part No.:
- SA120CA
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Category:
- TVS Diodes
- Package:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Datasheet:
-
SA120CA.pdf
- Description:
- TVS DIODE 120VWM 193VC DO204AC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:8,210
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Product details
Overview
SA120CA from Taiwan Semiconductor is a bidirectional transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode in DO-204AC (DO-15) package, rated for 500W peak pulse power at 10/1000μs, with 120V working stand-off voltage (VWM), 133–163V breakdown voltage (VBR), and 214V maximum clamping voltage (VC) at 2.4A peak pulse current. It protects automotive and industrial power rails against ESD, EFT, and inductive switching transients.
For engineers reviewing the SA120CA datasheet, SA120CA pinout, SA120CA application, or SA120CA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, bidirectional clamping behavior, AEC-Q101 qualification status, DO-15 mechanical data, and real-world protection use cases - all confirmed from Taiwan Semiconductor's official SA Series specification L2105.
Technical Context
The SA120CA is a silicon avalanche diode designed for bidirectional transient suppression, with symmetrical VBR min/max (133–163V) and identical electrical characteristics in both directions. It operates across –55°C to +175°C junction temperature and meets IEC 61000-4-2 (±30kV contact), -4-4 (±4kV), and -4-5 (40A, 8/20μs) immunity requirements when applied per layout guidelines.
Its low clamping ratio (VC/VBR ≈ 1.54 at IPPM) and sub-5ns response time ensure fast energy diversion before downstream ICs experience overvoltage stress. The device uses pure tin-plated leads compliant with J-STD-002 and passes JESD201 Class 2 whisker testing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VWM | 120 V - Maximum continuous DC or RMS voltage the device blocks without conduction |
| VBR @ IT=1mA | 133–163 V - Breakdown initiates within this range at 1mA test current; defines turn-on threshold |
| VC @ IPPM=2.4A | 214 V - Clamped voltage seen by protected circuit during 10/1000μs surge; limits stress on downstream components |
| PPK | 500 W - Peak pulse power handling at TA=25°C; derates linearly above 25°C per Fig.2 |
| IR @ VWM | <1 μA - Reverse leakage ensures minimal standby power loss and signal integrity in high-impedance circuits |
| TJ max | +175 °C - Enables operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial motor drives |
| Response time | <5.0 ns - Time from 0V to VBR under bidirectional transient; critical for ESD/EFT immunity |
Pinout & Package
SA120CA is housed in a DO-204AC (DO-15) axial-leaded package with cathode band marking omitted (bidirectional symmetry). Leads are pure tin-plated, solderable per J-STD-002, and meet UL 94V-0 flammability rating. Weight: ~0.400g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode / Cathode (symmetrical) | Bidirectional avalanche junction | No polarity marking required; terminals interchangeable; provides equal clamping in either direction |
| Lead 1 | Connection to PCB trace or wire | Must be routed with short, low-inductance paths to protect node; thermal pad not required but recommended for >1W steady-state dissipation |
| Lead 2 | Connection to PCB trace or wire | Paired with Lead 1 to form two-terminal shunt path; no internal bias or control logic |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q101 qualified | Validated for automotive applications including engine control units, body electronics, and ADAS power supplies |
| 500W peak pulse rating (10/1000μs) | Withstands repeated ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a/3a transients without degradation when properly heatsinked |
| Clamping voltage ≤214V at 2.4A | Ensures protected 120V nominal systems (e.g., 24V truck battery rails) remain below 220V during worst-case surges |
| RoHS & halogen-free (IEC 61249-2-21) | Complies with EU automotive material restrictions and supports lead-free reflow assembly |
| Low IR & tight VBR tolerance | <1μA leakage at 120V enables use in always-on monitoring circuits; ±12% VBR spread simplifies BOM consolidation |
Applications
| Automotive Power Rail Protection | Industrial PLC I/O Protection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 24V battery-fed ECUs exposed to load dump (ISO 16750-2) and alternator ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt TVS placed between power rail and ground to clamp transients before they reach PMICs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Limits voltage to ≤214V during 10/1000μs surges up to 500W, preventing latch-up or gate oxide damage in downstream ICs. | Use Scenario: Digital input modules receiving 24V sensor signals in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional clamping element on field-side signal lines to absorb EFT bursts (IEC 61000-4-4) and cable coupling noise. Use Value: Sub-5ns response ensures clamping activation before transient propagates into optocoupler or isolator input stages. |
| LED Driver Surge Suppression | Telecom Power Interface |
Use Scenario: Constant-current LED drivers in street lighting subjected to lightning-induced surges on AC mains input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary-level TVS across bulk capacitor input to divert surge energy before rectifier bridge and controller IC. Use Value: 500W rating handles multi-kV induced surges; DO-15 package allows through-hole mounting near entry point for lowest inductance path. | Use Scenario: 48V DC power feed to remote radio units in 5G base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side TVS on DC input to protect PoE-like interface ICs and DC-DC controllers from hot-swap and cable discharge events. Use Value: Bidirectional symmetry eliminates polarity concerns during field maintenance; 175°C TJ rating supports sealed outdoor enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar transient voltage suppression applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Littelfuse SMAJ120CA | Same DO-214AC package (SMA), 120V VWM, 214V VC @ 2.4A, but 400W PPK rating | Lower surge capacity; suitable only where 400W suffices and board space favors surface-mount | Select SMAJ120CA if SMT layout constraints exist and system-level surge testing validates 400W margin. |
| ON Semiconductor 1.5KE120CA | DO-201AD package, 120V VWM, 200V VC @ 2.5A, 1500W PPK, but larger footprint and higher IR (5μA) | Higher power handling but slower response (~10ns); requires more PCB area and thermal management | Choose 1.5KE120CA only when legacy 1.5kW surge compliance (e.g., MIL-STD-1275) is mandatory and DO-15 size is not constrained. |
Compared with SMAJ120CA, SA120CA offers 25% higher surge rating in the same axial DO-15 form factor; versus 1.5KE120CA, it trades peak power for smaller size, faster response, and lower leakage - making SA120CA optimal for space-constrained automotive and industrial modules requiring AEC-Q101 validation.
Availability
SA120CA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial PLC I/O protection, LED driver surge suppression, and telecom DC power interface applications requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q101-compliant transient suppression.
Supply support for SA120CA includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation (TSC) is a vertically integrated analog and discrete semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, specializing in TVS diodes, rectifiers, MOSFETs, and power management devices since 1979.
The SA Series was engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective transient protection in automotive and industrial environments, emphasizing AEC-Q101 qualification, tight parameter distributions, and high-temperature reliability up to 175°C junction.
FAQ
What is the clamping voltage of SA120CA at its rated peak pulse current?
The SA120CA has a maximum clamping voltage (VC) of 214 V at 2.4 A peak pulse current (IPPM), measured under the standard 10/1000 μs double-exponential waveform. This value is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range and ensures protected circuits remain within safe voltage margins during surge events. The SA120CA datasheet specifies this parameter in Table "Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics" on page 4 of revision L2105.
Is SA120CA unidirectional or bidirectional, and how is polarity indicated?
The SA120CA is a bidirectional TVS diode, meaning it provides symmetrical clamping in both forward and reverse directions - essential for AC-coupled or floating signal line protection. Unlike unidirectional SA120 variants, the "CA" suffix denotes bidirectional construction, and no cathode band marking is present on the DO-204AC (DO-15) package. This absence of polarity marking confirms its bidirectional functionality, as stated in the SA Series documentation section "Devices for bipolar applications".
Does SA120CA meet AEC-Q101 qualification, and what does that cover?
Yes, SA120CA is AEC-Q101 qualified, as explicitly noted in the "FEATURES" section of the official SA Series datasheet (L2105). This qualification covers stress tests including high-temperature operating life (HTOL), temperature cycling, mechanical shock, vibration, and ESD (HBM ≥8kV, CDM ≥1kV), validating suitability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics. The "H" suffix in ordering codes (e.g., SA120H) denotes AEC-Q101 grade, and SA120CA falls under this qualified family.
What is the maximum junction temperature and storage temperature range for SA120CA?
The SA120CA has a maximum junction temperature (TJ) of +175°C and a storage temperature range (TSTG) of –55°C to +175°C, as specified in the "Absolute Maximum Ratings" table. These ratings enable reliable operation in under-hood automotive environments and industrial motor drive cabinets. The device maintains full electrical performance across this range, with VBR exhibiting a temperature coefficient of 162 mV/°C - a value confirmed in the "Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics" table for SA120A (closely matched variant) and applicable to SA120CA per SA Series family specifications.
How does SA120CA differ from SA120A in terms of electrical performance?
The SA120CA is the bidirectional version of the SA120A unidirectional TVS. While both share identical VWM (120 V), VBR (133–163 V), and VC (214 V), the SA120CA exhibits symmetrical clamping in both directions and omits the cathode band marking. In contrast, SA120A is unidirectional with a defined anode/cathode and includes a cathode band. The "CA" suffix explicitly indicates bipolar capability, and the SA Series documentation states: "For bidirectional use C or CA suffix for types SA5.0 – types SA170", confirming SA120CA's dual-direction functionality.
SA120CA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Taiwan Semiconductor Corporation
- Package/Case:
- DO-204AC, DO-15, Axial
- Series:
- SA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Zener
- Unidirectional Channels:
- -
- Bidirectional Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Reverse Standoff (Typ):
- 120V
- Voltage - Breakdown (Min):
- 133V
- Voltage - Clamping (Max) @ Ipp:
- 193V
- Current - Peak Pulse (10/1000µs):
- 2.7A
- Power - Peak Pulse:
- 500W
- Power Line Protection:
- No
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Capacitance @ Frequency:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 175°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- DO-204AC (DO-15)
SA120CA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SA120CA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SA120CA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SA120CA reliable?
The price and inventory of SA120CA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SA120CA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SA120CA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SA120CA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SA120CA?
SA120CA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SA120CA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SA120CA?
For technical support, including SA120CA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SA120CA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SA120CA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SA120CA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SA120CA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SA120CA?
All SA120CA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SA120CA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SA120CA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SA120CA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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